Stories to Tell to Children

by Sara Cone Bryant

"What cage?" said the little Jackal.

"Why, the cage he was in," said the Brahmin. "You see—"

"But I don't altogether understand," said the little Jackal, "You 'set him free,' you say?"

"Yes, yes, yes!" said the Brahmin.

"It was this way: I was walking along, and I saw the Tiger—"

"Oh, dear, dear!" interrupted the little Jackal; "I never can see through it, if you go on like that, with a long story. If you really want my opinion you must make the matter clear. What sort of cage was it?"

"Why, a big, ordinary cage, an iron cage," said the Brahmin.

"That gives me no idea at all," said the little Jackal. "See here, my friends, if we are to get on with this matter you'd best show me the spot. Then I can understand in a jiffy. Show me the cage."

So the Brahmin, the Tiger, and the little Jackal walked back together to the spot where the cage was.

"Now, let us understand the situation," said the little Jackal. "Brahmin, where were you?"